At a recent engagement in Northern Ireland, the Princess of Wales opted for a look that combined practicality with her usual sense of refinement. She joined Prince William on visits to the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service’s new Learning and Development College in Cookstown, before continuing to agricultural visits in County Tyrone and County Armagh.

Photo: Getty Image

Her outfit reflected pieces she’s returned to many times before. She paired a khaki Alexander McQueen coat with dark brown suede boots, a combination that felt practical, seasonal and true to her established autumn style. The coat’s sharp lines softened slightly beside the suede boots, giving the outfit a relaxed edge.

Later, she traded the coat for a waxed Barbour jacket and checked skirt, keeping the same boots for the countryside engagements. It proved a practical choice, suitable for official duties and sturdy enough for the day’s rural visits.

Photo: Getty Image

The reappearance of the chocolate suede boots will be familiar to anyone who tracks her style choices. She’s worn them for years, and they align well with this autumn’s focus on tactile, timeless materials.

Her appearance in Northern Ireland underscored what has always defined her style: reliability and restraint over novelty.

The Scottish Parliament has unveiled a new official portrait of King Charles III, now on display in the Main Hall at Holyrood. The image, commissioned to mark the Parliament’s 25th anniversary, was revealed by Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, in front of invited guests and members of Parliament.

A Balmoral Setting

The photograph was taken by Millie Pilkington in the Sunken Garden at Balmoral Castle. Rather than opting for a traditional studio portrait, the King is shown outdoors in a natural setting, underlining his long-standing ties to Scotland and its landscapes.

What the Portrait Shows

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In the image, the King wears a kilt in the King Charles III tartan and holds a handcrafted walking stick gifted to him by the Mey Highland Games. These details were chosen with care, serving as reminders of his connection to Scottish traditions and his frequent presence at cultural events in the Highlands.

Reception at the Parliament

Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone described the photograph as “striking” and said it reflects the monarch’s affection for Scotland and its people. The portrait now hangs alongside the existing image of the late Queen Elizabeth II, creating a visual link between two reigns within the same public space.

The Photographer Behind the Image

Photo: Facebook

Millie Pilkington, who has photographed members of the royal family on several occasions, described the assignment as a privilege. Her goal, she said, was to capture the King’s warmth and affinity for Scotland by framing him within the Balmoral gardens, a place closely associated with the monarchy’s life in the country.

More Than Decoration

Portraits in civic buildings are not simply decorative. They are part of how institutions present history and continuity to the public. In this case, the new photograph is designed to be a familiar yet dignified reminder of the King’s role in Scottish life. It reinforces the monarchy’s presence in the Parliament without the formality of regalia or state ceremony.

A Continuing Role for the Princess Royal

Photo: Facebook

There is also a note of continuity in who unveiled the portrait. Princess Anne performed the same duty when the Parliament first received an official portrait of her late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, more than a decade ago. Her involvement on both occasions gives a sense of consistency to how the monarchy is represented in the nation’s political home.

The Scottish Highlands once again became the stage for history and heritage as King Charles III and Queen Camilla attended the Braemar Gathering on Saturday, upholding a royal tradition that stretches back more than 175 years.

Set in the village of Braemar, just a few miles from Balmoral, the annual games drew thousands who braved shifting skies to watch one of Scotland’s most treasured celebrations of strength, music, and community spirit.

Photo: @theroyalfamily-Instagram

The King cut a classic figure in his own tartan, deep green and red checks, paired with a tweed jacket and kilt hose with a sgian dubh tucked at his side. At his shoulder, Queen Camilla brought a softer note in a pale green coat and feathered hat. The pair settled into the Royal Pavilion shortly before midday, welcomed by cheers from the crowd.

Photo:@theroyalfamily-Instagram

What followed was tradition in its purest form. Pipe bands marched, Highland dancers whirled, and the heavy events, including the hammer throw, tug of war, and the mighty caber toss, brought bursts of applause and laughter. The weather offered its own Highland drama, with light drizzle swept away by breezes, but spirits in the arena never faltered. The Queen was spotted chatting with members of the Braemar Royal Highland Society and later greeting dancers and stewards, adding warmth to the royal presence.

A moment of solemnity threaded through the day’s revelry. The gathering fell silent for one minute in memory of the late Duchess of Kent, whose passing had been announced earlier in the week. The King and Queen bowed their heads, sharing in the hush that rippled across the grounds.

Photo: @theroyalfamily-Instagram

The monarchy’s link with Braemar is long and intimate. Queen Victoria first attended in 1848, and since then, the games have been a constant on the royal calendar. The late Queen Elizabeth II rarely missed the event, often watching with a quiet pride that reflected her deep affection for Scotland. Now her son continues the tradition, not simply as a guest, but as its custodian.

As the competitions drew to a close and prizes were presented, the King and Queen made a simple departure. There was no fanfare, just a wave of acknowledgement before leaving the arena.

For all its royal connections, the Braemar Gathering remains at heart a community affair. In a calendar crowded with ceremony, this is the monarchy at its most rooted: present not for spectacle, but for continuity, heritage, and the unbroken rhythm of the Highlands.